Look for the ‘Pigs bullpen to be almost completely revamped from the Pen of last year, with a number of free agent signings that have Major League experience.  Although probably almost totally devoid of any big time prospects, the Lehigh Valley bullpen should provide the Phillies with some reliable depth if any of the relievers on the big club are down for a significant period of time. Continue reading Iron Pigs Bullpen Report →

As I flip my calendar to February, I begin chomping at the bit for the arrival of pitchers and catchers, so, with that comes an early look at what to expect in the Lehigh Valley next year.  A huge turnover on the roster will lead to what many believe will be a very exciting team, filled with a combination of prospects and proven AAA players. Continue reading Iron Pigs Preview →

Carlos Carrasco, still only 21, was quite impressive in his 6 starts with Lehigh Valley, going 2-2 with a 1.72 ERA in 36.2 IP.  He walked 13 and struck out 46, for a WHIP of 1.36. Opponents hit .250 against him.  On the year between Reading and Lehigh Valley, he threw 151 innings and struck out 155 with a combined ERA of 3.69.  Projection: I believe he will start the year in Lehigh Valley and depending upon his performance, could be looking at the #3 starter job in Philly by mid year, depending upon trades, injuries, and the always apparant “Eaton factor”. (That being those pitchers who are horrendous who the Phillies have paid millions of dollars, thus creating a rotation obligation) Continue reading Lehigh Valley Pitcher Review →

Lehigh Valley finished the season at 55-89, in last place in the Northern Division of the International League, 33 games behind division leading Scranton. Taking a last look at Iron Pigs among International League leaders, Brandon Watson was 3rd in at bats (514), 2nd in hits (157), and 10th in batting average (.305).  Mike Cervenak was 5th in the league in batting average (.310), and 7th in the league in doubles (30). Andy Tracy was 2nd in the league in doubles (34), 8th in the league in homers (22), 5th in the league in RBI’s (85), 4th in the league in walks (64), 5th in the league in OBP (.383), and 7th in the league in slugging % (.525). Jon Knott was 8th in the IL with 30 doubles. Continue reading Iron Pigs Report →

Just a horrible week for the ‘Pigs as they went 1-7, and now stand at 54-86, in last place of the Northern Division of the International League, 33 games behind division leading Scranton.  Look for an in depth review of the Lehigh Valley season, including a look at the performance of each player, including my opinion of where they go from here,  during each of the next several editions of the Lehigh Valley report. Continue reading Iron Pigs Report →

A lousy week for Lehigh Valley who went 2-5, and now stand at 53-79. 26.5 games behind division leading Scranton.  The 26.5 games back in the most Lehigh Valley have been back this year.  Taking a look at league leaders, Brandon Watson is 8th in at bats (462), and 4th in hits (139).  Mike Cervenak is 2nd in the league in average (.319).  Andy Tracy is 3rd in doubles (32), 2nd in RBI’s (83), 6th in walks (59), 6th in on base % (.380) and 8th in slugging % (.525).  On the pitching side, Les Walrond leads the league with 2 shutouts,  JA Happ in 5th in ERA (3.30), first in strikeouts (143) and 4th in WHIP (1.15).  The slumping Brian Mazone is 3rd in losses (11), first in starts (26), 3rd in IP (156.2) and 4th in homers allowed(20). Continue reading Iron Pigs Report →

After a 2-3 week, Lehigh Valley now stands at 51-75, in last place in the Northern Division of the International League, 25.5 games behind division leading Scranton.  WIth a little over two weeks left in the season, the ‘Pigs are focused on trying to move out of last place in the North, and further trying to assure that they dont have the worst record in the IL. Continue reading Iron Pigs Report →

A difficult week for Lehigh Valley as they went 1-6, falling to 49-71 on the year, 24 games behind division leading Scranton in the Northern Division of the International league.  The ‘Pigs are struggling with a makeshift lineup and pitching staff as they have recently lost several key players to various consequences including call ups (Cervenak, Walrond, Happ), Olympics (Green, Swindle), Japan (Ennis), and the DL(King).  Between all of those variables Lehigh Valley has lost 25% of their team over the passed two weeks or so.  League leaders still include several ‘Pigs not on the current roster.  Hitting leaders include Mike Cervenak who is leading the league in average (.320), and 6th in the league in hits (124). Brandon Watson is 7th in the league in hits (124).  Rich THompson is 10th in the league in stolen bases (24).  Andy Tracy is 8th in OBP (.380), 5th in walks (57), 4th in RBI’s (74), and 3rd in doubles (28). Les Walrond leads the league in ERA (2.61, is second in complete games (2), and tied for the league lead in shutouts(2). JA Happ is 7th in ERA (3.30), second in strikeouts (127), and 4th in WHIP (1.18).  Brian Mazone is 6th in homers allowed (17), 3rd in innings (141), and 2nd in starts (23).  Matt Childers is 3rd in the league with 19 saves. Continue reading Iron Pigs Report →

A good week for the Iron Pigs as they went 5-2 on the road to move their record to 48-65, 20.5 games behind division leading Pawtucket in the Northern Division of the International League.  Our weekly look at league leaders include Mike Cervenak who is 3rd in the league in hits (124) and leading the league in average (.320).  Brandon Watson is 9th in the league in average (.296) and 5th in the league in hits (115).  1B Andy Tracy is 3rd in the league in doubles (27), 3rd in the league in RBI’s (72), 4th in the league in walks(54), and 6th in the league in OBP(.379). Les Walrond leads the league in ERA (2.61.  JA Happ is 7th in ERA (3.30), leads the league in strikeouts (127), and is 4th in WHIP (1.18).  Brian Mazone is 6th in WHIP (1.19), 5th in homers allowed(17), 3rd in IP(134), and 3rd in starts (22).  Matt Childers is 3rd in the league with 18 saves. Continue reading Iron Pigs Report →

Lehigh Valley had a rough week going 3-4 , and now stand at 43-63, in last place in the Northern Division of the International League, 21.5 games behind Pawtucket.  Updating ‘Pigs among league leaders, Mike Cervenak is 8th in at bats (368), 3rd in hits (116), and 3rd in the league in average (.313). Andy Tracy is 9th in slugging % (.520), 7th in on base % (.384), 4th in walks (52), 4th in RBI’s (68), and 4th in doubles (25).  Brandon Watson, who has been playing extremely well lately is 5th in the league in hits (107).  JA Happ is 9th in the league in ERA (3.37), 10th in the league in innings (114.2), leads the league in strikeouts (124), and is 6th in the league in WHIP (1.18). Brian Mazone is 9th in WHIP (1.19), 5th in homers allowed (17), and 5th in innings (121.2).  Les Walrond is now 3rd in the league in ERA (2.83) and Matt Childers is 2nd in the league in saves (16).

Continue reading Iron Pigs Report →